Jul

Addiction to narcotics is rising at an alarming rate and now out passes street drugs as a leading cause of death from addiction. As laws regarding the use of illegal drugs have been amplified, the painkiller addiction takes a new turn with the use of prescription drugs as the next “thing”. For the most part this abuse is “legal”

Painkiller Abuse

Painkillers are often commonly used drugs, Painkiller Addiction is now a common problem due to their easy availability. OxyContin, Endocodone, Dazidox, Percocet and Percodan, are commonly prescribed by doctors to alleviate pain, all contain the substance oxycodone; an opioid narcotic which is quite similar to morphine. This is not an ordinary over-the-counter pain reliever since they are known to be habit-forming and should only be used for the amount of time it is prescribed for. When it reaches the wrong hands, it could easily be abused and used for all the wrong reasons.

At an alarming rate of 3 deaths per hour due mainly to improper abuse of these medicines, something needs to be done. I believe we do need laws to curb the rising trend. New York State are leading the way with the passing of the I-Stop Law. Staten Island, which is considered to be the oxycodone distribution capital, is located in New York. A 1,200% increase on ferry rides from Manhattan to the Staten Island in the span of 10years would most likely suggest a high activity of tourist transfers or a high traffic of users going to and from the city to secure the drug.

The Answer?

The recent I-STOP (Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing) Law that has been passed by both houses of the NY Legislature could be the big first step in overcoming a huge battle against “modern day” narcotics. This law requires the physicians or pharmacists to check into a database first before issuing pain relievers to patients. This will make sure that there are no excessive prescriptions for such medicines for any individual which up to now they can easily get from different doctors in the city.

This is an excellent law that should be prioritized and set in place as soon as possible. since both houses already approve it, hopefully it will come into effect quickly. If and when I-STOP reduces the number of deaths from prescription drugs, it will hopefully be used as a model throughout the country to stem this alarming rise in painkiller addiction.

For more information regarding the I-STOP law of New York, you can check this page:

20 Comments

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

More heat.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

It`s great to see that they are taking action on these common painkillers that are being used for drugs and even being turned into products that people can consume in the wrong context. I think that New York is working hard to crack down on this experience and the drugs that are in the area.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Kudos to New York. I know of someone who passed away from OD’ing on painkillers and it was a tragedy that could have been prevented. I am glad to see some action is taken on this serious issue.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Jenna commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

Kudos to New York. I know of someone who passed away from OD’ing on painkillers and it was a tragedy that could have been prevented. I am glad to see some action is taken on this serious issue.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Glad to see NY is taking action on the painkiller issue. I wish more States would do the same. Hopefully they will catch up.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

This news is really alarming. 3 deaths per hour due to improper medicine abuse! I simply cannot accept it. It shows how frustrated and alienated we have become as individuals so that so many people are taking to drugs and getting killed. The law needs to be implemented immediately.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

John commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

This news is really alarming. 3 deaths per hour due to improper medicine abuse! I simply cannot accept it. It shows how frustrated and alienated we have become as individuals so that so many people are taking to drugs and getting killed. The law needs to be implemented immediately.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

John commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

This news is really alarming. 3 deaths per hour due to improper medicine abuse! I simply cannot accept it. It shows how frustrated and alienated we have become as individuals so that so many people are taking to drugs and getting killed. The law needs to be implemented immediately.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

This I-Stop law is the answer to the drug addiction that is rocking our society. It needs to be implemented as soon as possible. I hope our legislatures realize the gravity of the situation and clear the law.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Other than the law, we also need to be aware of what our family members are doing. Parents should make sure that they know the prescriptions their children have. If any such medicine is mentioned in it, the children should be monitored.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Come on people … If someone is desperate enough to obtain prescription painkillers that they visit multiple doctors, it is really realistic to expect the I-Stop law to prevent their abuse? I predict they would simply find a new source for the drugs, quite possibly street dealers, which could result in more crime, violence and corruption. Sometimes legislation sounds good, but often it is not the solution. The root causes of the problem must be addressed. History has shown it is not possible to stop demand for drugs by increased regulation or outright prohibition.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

I had no idea how many lives were taken due to the abuse of prescription drugs. This is a true eye opener for me and I will be keeping a good eye on some family members who may be prone to something like this. I am glad to see NY taking action. I hope more states and countries do the same shortly.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Amber commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

I had no idea how many lives were taken due to the abuse of prescription drugs. This is a true eye opener for me and I will be keeping a good eye on some family members who may be prone to something like this. I am glad to see NY taking action. I hope more states and countries do the same shortly.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Amber commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

I had no idea how many lives were taken due to the abuse of prescription drugs. This is a true eye opener for me and I will be keeping a good eye on some family members who may be prone to something like this. I am glad to see NY taking action. I hope more states and countries do the same shortly.

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

It’s definitely about time that the government cracks down on drugs!

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Shelley Ridell commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

It’s definitely about time that the government cracks down on drugs!

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

I know that oxycodone is a huge drug problem in my city. Almost all the teenagers at the high school I work at are addicted and so is one of the teachers. It’s a sad thing that too many people abuse drugs like this and this is also an expensive drug in my town at nearly $5 a pill!

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Michelle Ward commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

I know that oxycodone is a huge drug problem in my city. Almost all the teenagers at the high school I work at are addicted and so is one of the teachers. It’s a sad thing that too many people abuse drugs like this and this is also an expensive drug in my town at nearly $5 a pill!

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Michelle Ward commented on Drug Rehab Comparison:

I know that oxycodone is a huge drug problem in my city. Almost all the teenagers at the high school I work at are addicted and so is one of the teachers. It’s a sad thing that too many people abuse drugs like this and this is also an expensive drug in my town at nearly $5 a pill!

AmyJuly 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Thanks for putting the awareness out there. I don’t think enough people take painkiller abuse seriously enough to realize how dangerous it is. I am glad NY is putting a stop to it as well.